Friday, April 30, 2010

Expo 2010 Opens Tomorrow. It's Bigger Than Olympics

Everyone in North America knew that the Olympics were coming months and years ahead.We hoped it would be the success it was and that people from all over the world would come to celebrate sport excellence.We looked forward to thousands of visitors experiencing Canada.

Overshadowed by all this publicity over all tht time was the fact that another major event will take place in lon May 1 that will attract many more visitors than any Olympic event could hope to reach.

It is Expo 2010 and it opens tomorrow in Shanghai, China.For six months millions of people will go through the pavilions, including the one created at a significant investment representing Canada.

With an urban theme of 'Better City, Better Life' it will be another opportunity to showcase how it is the emerging economic powerhouse.For those who think China is a backward country, going to Shanghai is the ultimate trip into a different reality.

It is a city that seems only to want to talk about wealth and the stock market.It is a city where the most expensive shops in the world have lined the main streets for years.And it is the city where the bicycle, once the mainstay for personal transportation, is now so far in the background you hardly know they exist, comparatively speaking.


It will be a grand celebrations with countries from all over the world putting the final touches to their pavilions today.

Older Canadians may remember the impact of Expo 67 in Montreal. It helped put Canada on the world map.Those 20 years younger may remember Expo 86 in Vancouver that put the punctuation mark on that world entrance.

Be sure about this, Expo 2010 will be a huge success, and the image of China as an economic leader will leap forward many steps posted by That Travel Guy @ 12:14 PM  |  0 Comments

OFFICIAL WARNING FOR THAILAND TRAVEL

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the Kingdom of Thailand due to ongoing large-scale political demonstrations, which have been marked by violence, death, and injury. The security situation is very volatile with significant potential for further civil unrest, violent clashes, and attacks. Canadians currently in Thailand should avoid all non-essential movement, exercise extreme caution, follow the advice of local authorities, closely monitor local media, and, if violence erupts, remain indoors

Check your insurance policies and heed the warning.

I will be the first to try to go back when things settle down. I don't know of anyone who has come back and not raved about how great this country is to visit.

Labels: Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 10:36 AM  |  0 Comments

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Yellow Shirts Face Off Against Red Shirts in Thailand!

It just keeps getting worse.

The group that essentially caused the shut down of the airport a few months ago are getting into the middle of the confrontation, demanding military action be taken against the Red Shirts.

The Yellow Shirts seem to represent the elite and the status quo, while the Red Shirts come from impoverished countrysides.

More bullets are heard and violence, while still in check, seems to be spreading.

We are on the edge of a powder keg.

There are now many thousands involved. The downtown shopping district is without tourists who drive that economy. And no one seems ready to back down.

Any support for the Red Shirt cause from the downtown business community is gone as shops are either totally shut down or void of buyers, local or foreign.

The atmosphere is tense and becoming moreso, even as the military has for the most part stayed as cool as can be expected.

As stated in a previous blog the Red Shirts have tried to keep it a firm but peaceful protest.

Like any powderkeg it only takes one small spark to set the whole keg blazing.

The next few days, or hours, are critical

Labels: Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:40 PM  |  0 Comments

Arrivals at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport have fallen by a third since violence broke out.

Everyone wants a resolution to the Thai crisis that is killing the economy in the downtown shopping districts of Bangkok especially, as well as the rest of the country to a large degree.

Why can't it be resolved. Because there is no compromise position.

The Red Shirts will only be satisfied with a new election that is called now. This is not likely to happen. Power is never that easily given up...especially under duress.

At the same time the Red Shirts feel more and more confident each day as their ranks swell with supporters.

They genuinely feel they are leading a popular revolution.

Westerners should keep something in mind.

While there have been people killed in the protests, by and large, they have been peaceful.

The government sofar, for any number of reasons, has recognized a full scale assault will not solve the problem, and could lead to a violent underground.

Each day we are fearful of a change in strategy.

The Red Shirts also recognize a violent turn of events might lose some of the popular support they have.

And outside of the capital city, life goes on pretty much as normal except for the tourism driven economics that are so integral to the countries rich physical and historical attractions.

People are still travelling to Thailand. The government warnings have only related to specific areas of Bangkok in regards to this particular series of protests.

Each day I look to report some positive progress, which even though the one side or the other will suggest there has been some, for the most part it has just been wishful thinking.

Labels: Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:29 AM  |  0 Comments

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Here's Why You Must Have Travel Insurance to Go Anywhere

So often people waive the purchase of travel insurance. It is an expensive product and I understand why people would prefer not to add that expense to their travel budget.

But so often I have seen it happen. An accident occurs thousands of miles from home and sometimes the person is out hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Insurance Associatian has a vested interest but what they point out is correct.

Here is what the Travel Health Insurance Association has to say...And it is important advice.

Important facts to consider for Canadians who elect not to purchase supplemental travel emergency medical insurance:

Canadian Provincial Health Insurance Plans, such as OHIP, RAMQ do not make direct payments to out-of-country hospitals, doctors or clinics

In-patient hospitalization is reimbursed at varying rates, depending on the Provincial Health Plan in effect for that consumer and can range from $200.00 to $400.00 per day for in-patient or intensive care, however, the cost of these services in Cuba exceeds these amounts

Wait times for reimbursement by the Provincial Health Plans varies by province, but ranges between 90 days and 18 months

Provincial Plans do not cover the cost of ground ambulance in Cuba or evacuation back to Canada by commercial airline or air ambulance

Many outpatient clinics and lab services, or other incidental charges related to out-of-country emergency medical care are not covered by the Provincial Health Plans

Therefore, it is wise and strongly recommended that travelers buy supplemental private travel health insurance before leaving Canada. To imply otherwise provides a disservice to Canadian travelers , who may end up with significant unwanted costs.

You can purchase insurance online at www.renaissancetravel.ca

Labels: Travel Insurance

posted by That Travel Guy @ 4:14 PM  |  0 Comments

Why China Can't Deliver the Goods!

Over the past several weeks we have had loads of backorders of luggage that just never seem to come in.

Often we have, as in the past, we take pre-orders from people for luggage we may be out of stock of, or are honoring as a part of a sale that we are still willing to keep the price in a delivery we expect soon.

We have had to call customers time after time to inform them the orders are late, and sometimes a second time.

From all the conversations I had this weekend at the luggage show (where we were honoured as Retailer of theYear did I mention proudly) I found out virtually all our suppliers have been tearing their hair out because of delays in shipping.

Why is that?

A lot of factories closed over the past couple of years causing chaos. But a bigger problem relates to a wealthier consumer society in China.

Firstly, workers don't want jobs in factories any more. The office jobs are pursued by everyone, even though there are only so many of them. But the factory worker is telling their bosses, I don't have to put up with this crap any more.

Secondly, the Chinese have become a consumer society, able to travel more than ever before. They need luggage, and want nice luggage so they are buying goods that can get the market a lot faster than overseas shipments.

While in the past luggage companies could put an order in for a 3 month deliver and feel secure in getting the merchandise, they are now projecting a 6 to 8 months requirement for lead times.

So as retailers we are all paying the price with lost sales. And likewise we are now ordering our projected needs the same 6-8 months ahead.

Labels: General Commentary

posted by That Travel Guy @ 12:22 PM  |  0 Comments

Monday, April 26, 2010

Journeys Wins National Award as Retailer of Year

At their annual trade show banquet last night, the Luggage, Leather, Handbags, and Accessories Association (LLHA) honored Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre (www.journeystravelgear.com) with their award for Retailer Of The Year.

LLHA is composed of manufacturers and distributors of the major brand products that fill luggage and department stores in Canada.

Each year these companies display their current and newest products at a trade show in Toronto at the Congress Centre.

Retailers from across Canada attend and place order for their sales needs for much of the year ahead.

President of Journeys, Ron Pradinuk, said his company was successful in no small part to the buying abilities of his daughter Hilary Pradinuk, and the sales abilities and consistent belief in the Journeys concept by his wife Rae O'Keefe.

Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre is the one stop travel centre in Winnipeg that includes not only luggage and travel accessories, but a full service travel agency www.renaissancetravel.ca , swimwear, travel clothing, tannning beds and a pre-travel health clinic.

Labels: Mexico

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:58 AM  |  0 Comments

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Travel Insurance Not on Your Side if Policy bought after April 14

The association to which the major travel insurance companies belong issued a statement on Friday.

In their release, The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada first specifies that travellers who have trip cancellation, interruption or delay insurance, and have been affected by volcanic ash disruptions, to contact their insurers or assistance providers such as their travel agents for information about their coverage, for help while they are travelling and for setting up claims.

The important point is that the companies consider the disruption to travel resulting from the volcanoes in Iceland as an event that is covered if the insurance was purchased or in effect before April 14, the start of the volcano eruption.

In addition they say, if travellers were stranded beyond the expiration dates of their policies, coverage is most often being extended until the insured traveller is able to return home, at no additional cost. Generally, this coverage extension will apply to both emergency medical and non-medical provisions.

Clients currently travelling in areas affected by the volcanic eruptions, who have trip interruption coverage, will under most policies have limited coverage for additional accommodation, costs to contact the insurer or assistance company, and meal expenses if they are unable to return to Canada as planned. Some coverages will reimburse the cost of alternate travel arrangements if available.

THIA encourages all travellers to contact their insurance or assistance company for specific coverage details, coverage limits and details about how to submit a claim.

Trip cancellation coverage would apply to cancellation or interruption of any non-reimbursable, fully insured and prepaid portion of the trip, including airfares, pending cruises, land tours, hotel stays or other excursions that are beyond the control and stated responsibility of the air carrier or tour operator. In some cases, airlines or tour operators offer vouchers for future travel in lieu of immediate refunds. Many insurers will extend the dates on a policy at no charge.

In general, clients who are scheduled to travel in future would still be covered if they bought their policy before April 14. No coverage is available for those who purchased insurance after the eruption.

Labels: Travel Insurance

posted by That Travel Guy @ 5:59 AM  |  0 Comments

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Why People bring Smelly Foods On board Aircraft?

Since airlines decided to stop serving meals, and charging for food on board aircraft, people, and most often families for whom saving a few bucks is important, have started crating on entire banquets themselves.

Now I understand and sympathize with this for the most part. But please, must we bring on hot food imprisoned in plastic zip bags, which when opened emit an odor that fills the cabin.

I have a Ukrainian background, so I know some of my foods, like cabbage and garlic, can sent peoples nostrils reeling. Believe me I love just about every ethnic food out there.

But some of the spices can force a person to take cover when suddenly released on to an unsuspecting passenger.

Welcome to modern times. Is it possible we can thing of others when packing our lunch and dinner.

Most sandwiches are tasty and don't cause people to look for a quick exit at 30,000 feet.

Labels: General Commentary

posted by That Travel Guy @ 7:58 AM  |  0 Comments

Good Hotel Deals Are Out There Again!

In this weeks column in the Winnipeg Free Press I published the answere to a question I received about hotel prices in Canada given that fact Canada has not seen the hoped for upswing in US visitors as a result of a still stagnant economy.

In doing my research I found the results of a study undertaken by hotels.ca.

According to research undertaken by the online agency hotels.ca, the average hotel room rate fell by eight per cent last year.

Called the Hotel Price Index, the study clearly spoke to the fact corporate travellers have not yet returned to the travel patterns of previous years.

The highest average prices in the country were in Quebec City and Halifax, not seen as major corporate destinations. Toronto, traditionally an extremely strong market serving corporate meetings and conferences, showed an average room rate of only $135, eighth on their list.

Likewise, other primarily tourist destinations like Lake Louise and Mont Tremblant were the most expensive.

This may bode well for the tourist industry this year, which has benefited from Canadians being willing to take vacations in their own country even as U.S. and overseas visitations were down.

There is some speculation hotel prices will go up this year. There may be optimism at the present time and, as long as forward bookings hold, new higher prices will stay. But should occupancy levels not meet expectations, the usual price war that comes in periods of tough economies will likely surface full-blown again.

Labels: Travel Tips; hotels

posted by That Travel Guy @ 7:26 AM  |  0 Comments

Now Everyone Remembers Thailand

As volcanic ash filled the skies of Europe, the media with its uni-dimensional approach to news, pushed the serious issues facing Thailand aside as they waited for airplanes to start flying again.

As the news comes back to this hotspot of events, governments have broadened their warnings and have officially told travellers to stay away.

The stand off that exists today is extremely concerning.

It has become more and more clear that the government in power is facing a fairly significant popular uprising, the extent to which they may not even realize.

There are thousands of protesters now in red shirts, and we donl't know how many behind them.

The question is will the government, like Iran did recently, resort to mass violence or will they continue to hold to a relatively calm approach.

And relatively is an appropriate discripter as a number of deaths have occured and the situation is very tense, with both sides not holding to the original philosopy.

I take no sides in what is taking place in Thailand.

I am not on the ground and certainly wasn't when the last elections took place.

At the present time the economy is in shambles.

If government forces give way to violence, in my mind there is no question given the numbers of protesters that there would be hundreds of deaths, and the country would become a powder keg for years as the red shirts went underground and resorted to their own violence.

Yet there is some feeling that a new legitamate election could see a change in power, and it is my experience and observation, that people in power will do almost anything to keep it.

And in a country whose democracy may be up to some questions, the results can be frightening.

Seeing the coverage has made me genuinely sad. I know how much Thailand depends on tourism, and once again, it is the ordinary people, the little people as they are so often called who will fade back into poverty as their society unravels for at least a decade before it turns around.

Let us all hope for sane heads and minds to emerge out of this dile.mma

Labels: Asia; Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:51 AM  |  0 Comments

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Have They Gone Nuts in Cuba

A couple of months ago there was a big announcement from the Cuban Tourist Authorities.

Anyone who was going to Cuba would have to have medical insurance by May 1, 2010 or they would be denied entry.

They also said that only approved insurance companies would be able to supply this insurance.

There was a huge scramble of confusion and frustration as travel agents tried to figure out what they should be selling to their clients.

Insurance companies wondered if they would be on the list.

So today an announcement from Sunwing and Signature Vacations states that the only thing we will need is our provincial health card. No supplementary insurance will be required.

At first this looked like a Cuban money grab. But now it looks like bureaucratic incompetence.

Since the United States citizens, unless under special circumstances, are not allowed to go to Cuba, and most other countries, like Canada have public insurance, to whom was this policy directed.

Cuba is an interesting place to visit. And Canadians flock to the island every winter in droves.

Let us hope some heads roll on this ill fated announcement and we don't have to face such rediculous and ill planned announcements in the future.

Labels: Cuba, Winter Travel

posted by That Travel Guy @ 11:48 AM  |  0 Comments

Does Anybody Remember Thailand and its Troubles

In all the focused publicity surrounding the halting of flights and grounding of thousands because of the volcanic eruption, as usual, other world events have gone underreported.

But there is still a significant standoff between the protester red shirts, and government officials in that country.

They have been trying to stop gasoline from reaching the airport without success but it brings to mind the dissruption that occurred the last time that facility was closed.

They are also protesting in parts of downtown Bangkok.

At the present time the word is stand-off with no overt violence taking place at this time.

The government is being cautious. They do not know the degree to which there is country wide support for what the Red Shirts are defining as a popular uprising.

Travellers should be wary of the areas they visit but it is such a huge country, and Bangkok such a huge city, that it should be easy to avoid those areas.

Exercise caution and get out into the countryside as soon as possible. It is an amazing country to visit.

Labels: Asia; Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:59 AM  |  0 Comments

From Ashes to Dust...The Finger Pointing Begins

It really has become a shameful display!

The world airlines, and IATA, the association to which they all belongs and who speaks for them with a collective voice, has hurled accusations suggesting at Europeon politicians.

They are suggesting that essentualy the political bodies of Europe were incompetent in keeping planes on the ground while ash was floating around the air, keeping passengers like me from getting to our destinations.

Even the heads of the two biggest charter tour operators jumped into the fray. Both heads of TUI and Thomas Cook accused the governing bodies of not being on top of the situation and said Britons should not have had to stay on the ground for 6 days.

At the same time the president to the International Air Pilots Association issued a release that pilots should only fly again based on safety, not financial, considerations.

Are they suggesting here that their bosses, the airline companies, may be exerting undue pressure to fly before they should. It seems so doesn't it.

There is a lot that can and will be learned from this volcanic eruption that interrupted the travel plans of thousands and thousands like myself.

But now is not the time for blame. It is a time for a coordinated effort to understand what may have been done better for the next time.

And there will be a next time, and unless these bodies change their tone of communications, nothing will be learned and it could actually be worse the next go round.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, General Commentary, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:26 AM  |  0 Comments

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Europe Not! A Day in the Niagara Region...Yeh!

Yes it would have been a cruise to remember.

Departing from Venice, our port stops included Dubrovnik, Pula, Olympia, Korfu, and Sicily, just to name a few. Yes I am sorry we got grounded by the volcanic ash like thousands of others.

My wife haad never been to either the Falls or Niagara on the Lake, so she really looked forward to the trip with a lot of anticipation.
posted by That Travel Guy @ 9:04 AM  |  0 Comments

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Bed and Breadfasts; An Excellent Option

As travellers were planning their Europe holiday this summer, I received a lot of questions about bed and breakfasts. Questions like are better places to stay than hotels. And are they all basically the same?


I have stayed at both B&B's and hotel properties over many trips overseas.



Particularly in England, I think bed and breakfasts are an excellent option. It is an industry that is well established in the country. Good B & B’s can be found throughout, in and around major cities as well as in unique countryside locations.


For the most part it is a quaint way of visiting a country, presumably living with people who have chosen this style of hospitality service because they like people.


But not all Bed and Breakfasts are equal.


There are converted buildings in London that really are small hotels, which market themselves as bed and breakfast properties.


We stayed in one a few years ago that was very dingy, was not owner operated, and the picture on the internet did not portray honestly the quality of the place at all.


Conversely a B & B in Stratford the place we stayed was everything we could have hoped for, with a nice family feeling, and a breakfast that came with smiles and company.


There are a number of organizations on the website for both England and Europe. I cannot attest to them, having not used them.


I think it is important to find reviews on the ones you are considering, and make sure you see photos from a number of perspectives before booking. Also remember, once you have made your booking and paid for it, your money may not be refundable.



Start your search at http://www.bedandbreakfastnationwide.com/ or http://www.bbeurope.net/



To book air and other properties I hope you will consider our sister travel agency Renaissance travel. It is one of the biggest in the region with a number of good agents. And I am always available to be tracked down for questions.



The number is toll free 1 800 859-6354

Labels: foreign travel, foreign travel; Europe, Travel Tips

posted by That Travel Guy @ 7:36 PM  |  0 Comments

Grounded Down and Struck Out by Ash in the Sky...4 Peaks and Valleys in Emotions from a Volcano Ruined Vacation!

A stop in Sicily would have been one of our stops on our ash cancelled Silversea cruise

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, General Commentary, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 10:18 AM  |  0 Comments

Monday, April 19, 2010

Wine and Bottle Protector Reviewed Again

Every now and then a simple idea gets turned into an amazing new travel product.Such is the case with the the recently introduced VinniBag.

Labels: Travel Products

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:37 PM  |  0 Comments

How's the Air in Your Cabin?

Labels: Airline Travel

posted by That Travel Guy @ 5:53 PM  |  0 Comments

What do Insurance Companies Say About Ash Interruptions?

Most people never read the fine print of their travel insurance policies until they need to make a claim.

Now that thousands are likely to be approaching their insurance companies to make claims they are finding out a few facts.

Do policies even cover acts of god like Volcanoes? There appears to be no problem with this.

How about re-imbursement for the entire amount I have lost?

Well that depends on how much coverage you actually paid for when you booked the trip. Many people short fall the amount of coverage to save a few dollars.

What do you need to do now that you can't get on the aircraft to get to your holiday destination in Europe?

Well you better get a written acknowledgement from your airline that they could not transport you. The news reports are not enough and even though it sounds obvious you need to get that before you can even start processing your claim.

After having gone through the experience I have come to realize that there should be a just in case line on every ticket and document that reads, know your insureance.

Labels: Travel Insurance

posted by That Travel Guy @ 2:21 PM  |  0 Comments

Just Another No Fly Day

There has been a different kind of pressure being applied by airlines this weekend.

As Europe remains shut down, it seems the airline companies are suggesting that the skies should be opened up again to flights.

On executive, as though to prove how safe the skies were, went up alone with a pilot and came back announcing there had been no damage done to the aircraft.

I find this an unusual approach.

It is the airlines who always preach about placing safety first.

The financial impact is enormous on everyone. The desire to get back to normal is expected, but everyone needs to be sure we are indeed safe from circumstances which could affect just one aircraft whose engines clog and force the plane into a tragic tailspin.

We have a travel agency, and we also are suffering from the massive closures over the past few days.

But I want to feel 100% secure when I put my clients back in the air on the way to Europe, that they are going to get their safely.

Another day, two, or three, will hurt; but we will all get through it better knowing we did the right thing.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, foreign travel; Europe, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:28 AM  |  0 Comments

Sunday, April 18, 2010

A Billion Dollars up in Ash, and We Still Ain't Goin Nowhere

The headline in todays Sunday Star encapsulated the situation perfectly, Air Travek Crisis Deepens.

The costs of this weather event have already reached a billion dollars and still counting as experts predict the daily losses to be over $200 million.

I have blogged about the personal losses as much as the corporate losses...and now they grow too.

The small fruit farmer who supplies part of the fresh supply being flown around the world. The people who are stranded who are paying for rooms and food and beverage, coming to a point where it is getting personnally very expensive.

The taxi drivers who are hauling people around and the motor coach companies who have no new clients to excite about their home destination. With each cancellation a tour guide is told to stay home.

And next on the list will be a genuine concern about the quality of air those countries closest to the volcanic eruption may face. And this will include all of Europe and beyond.

Make no mistake about it, the quality of the air right here in Canada as well as the United States may be affected as the plume circles the earth.

It may take weeks or months.

The problem is we can do little about it.

I predict some cruise ships in the next few days are going to reposition themselves to haul trans-Atlantic passengers tp business meetings on the other side.

I think rail lines will be full, as they likely are already in Europe, and motorcoaches will serve the business clientelle forced down by the current air crisis.

This may clear sooner than expected and we will go back to some form of travel normalcy. But we will all know how fragile our industry is, and just how easy events can alter outcomes.

Labels: Airline Travel, General Commentary, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 3:31 PM  |  0 Comments

Saturday, April 17, 2010

One Great Vacation, Up in Ashes

It was going to be an exceptional cruise.

There were to be a lot of firsts on this one.

Most importantly my sister and brother in law were going to be with us for the first extended vacation we have ever had together.

We are close and do see them a lot, but it really was a dream trip for us to be together to experience the Meditteranean and the sights we would have seen.

It would have been our first trip aboard a SilverSea vessel. This is an exceptional cruise line and since last years Regent cruise I really have appreciated the smaller cruise ship concept.

It would have been our first time to Venice.

We have been to Tuscany, Florence, Rome, Sicily, and the Malfi Coast. This journey would really have rounded out the Italy experience.

But nature promises no bargains, and as each change in itinery was scheduled after over an hour of wait and conversation each time, we began to see the writing on the ash.

There were no more waitlists to be pursued, no more dreams to be hoped for, no more wishing for huge wind storms to dissipate the ash thrown up by the bubbling earth.

By mid afternoon Sunday, we are, or will be back at home.

My sister is already back.

Yes it would have been a memory creating 12 days, but we do look on a brighter side.

Airlines put safety before profit.

The death toll, as referenced in a previous blog, was very low in comparison to China now and Haiti a few short weeks ago.

We did not miss a wedding or a funeral as others may have: and it will not be our last opportunity to travel together

And we got to experience something other clients have had to go through in the past when delayed by severe weather and other events. It gives us an understanding of what they really go through.

There will be much greater personal and economic costs born by others. And we have yet to comprehend what health damage may be rendered to those living close to the eruptions, or even the rest of the world as the ash begins to circle the globe.

Let us hope that as the news followers move to the next big event, that the people left behind are able to resume normal lives in a productive and safe manner.

Labels: Airline Travel, foreign travel; Europe, General Commentary, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 11:03 PM  |  0 Comments

The Emotional Costs of Volcanic Ash

It was going to be a big wedding tonight in Toronto with relatives coming from England. The bride was so close to that family.

They will not make it.

A seniors group were set for the cruise of a lifetime, some of whom had never travelled overseas.

That trip is cancelled.

The high school band was scheduled to play at a war memorial in France.

They are taking the packing tape off their instruments.

Others would have made it home on time for other major celebrations but they will just wish they could have been there.

These all may be small in relation to the big picture of ruin and chaos caused by the Iceland volcanic eruption, but they are the real stories that give weather the power to control.

But putting all this in perspective, this event will cost millions of dollars, but unlike Haiti, China, and other places where natural disasters have taken place, the cost in human lives will be small.

And for that we should be grateful!

Labels: Airline Travel, General Commentary, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:12 AM  |  0 Comments

Economic Realitys of Volcano...Personal+Global

The global numbers are already staggering.

The earliest estimate that is published suggests airlines will lose over $200 million as a result of the volcanic ash disruptions.

But this is just the beginning.

Think of the hotels, taxis, service personel, who will all lose significant revenues as a result of natures anger.

Think of the lost dollars in last minute holiday bookings and cruise ports who will not be seeing shoppers coming to their doors.

And because we are living the nightmare as I write, think of the 1000,s of other who are stranded, paying hotel rooms and food and beverage as they hunker down by their phones trying to create the impossible, a seat on the first flight that will fly.

Will insurance companies cover all the claims from people whose flights and trips were cancelled.

The economics are staggering...and it will be weeks before even a guesstimate has any reality.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, General Commentary, Weather Delays

posted by That Travel Guy @ 5:51 AM  |  0 Comments

Friday, April 16, 2010

Another Setback on the Road to Venice

It is not often one gets to go through the frustrations the clients of our travel agency clients experience every now and then.

It really is a kind of hell.

While we know we can get to Frankfurt, if the airport opens, the last leg of the trip is in more doubt.

My Brother in law and sister, who were going to be going on the cruise with us, left Winnipeg early Friday morning, changed planes in Toronto, got to Montreal to connect to their overseas flights to Zurich and Italy, and found out their Zurich flight was cancelled just as they got off the plane.

Swiss Air said the best they could do, if there were no more closures was about a week later.

They took the next flight back to Winnipeg and will try to create a miracle tomorrow.

That sounds doubtful and our own hopes are not high.

I think of our clients grounded by snowstorms, hurricanes, and other forces of nature to go through what we have been going through over the past 40 hours.

You plan and dream. You save and research. And your excitment mounts when the day finally arrives.

To have the adventure shot down quite frankly sucks, and I empathize with those who went through this frustration before me.

We will hang on tomorrow and enjoy a drive out to Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake.

It will be a good diversion but my gut is telling me that it is Winnipeg where we will be spending the next two weeks and not Europe.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, foreign travel; Europe

posted by That Travel Guy @ 9:15 PM  |  0 Comments

And Now For Another Great Air Canada Employee

On my radio show and on this blog, I have had occasion to blast Air Canada.

My frustration is seldom at the front line employees but at some of the bonehead management decisions the airline has made.

While it is easiest to criticize and complain, it is tremendous to be able to praise people for their exceptional efforts under exceptional circumstances.

So long as the Frankfurt airport opens on Monday I will be on my flight to Venice, but getting there late for my cruise designated boarding day.

I am making arrangements to join the cruise ship late but still trying to find a flight out earlier.

Yesterday it was Roxanne at the Air Canada call centre that proved to be an absolute star.

Today it was a woman named Myrella.

She was phoning all over the place to arrange connections and has me on stand-by for one now.

They all are under huge pressure over there as everyone absolutely NEEDS to get to their destination.

These two ladies non only are holding up under the pressure, but Air Canada should be proud of them because they are creating loyalty with every phone call.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, foreign travel; Europe

posted by That Travel Guy @ 12:23 PM  |  0 Comments

It's 3AM and Flights to Europe Still are GROUNDED

In 2 days, theoritically at least, I will be hosting a group aboard the SilverSea Silver Wind out of Venice.

As I scan the web for information no one appears to be writing anything positive about immediate possibilities for flight resumptions.

I suspect that any number of Canadians and Americans scheduled for the same cruise, are wondering what is in store for them and their contemplated vacation.

My thoughts are conflicted.

Neither I nor my guests that I will be hosting care that much about the cruise to risk our safety. It is easy to buy into the collective wisdom of the worlds biggest airlines throwing themselves into chaos to ensure the safety of their clients, and the protection of their aircraft.

At the same time I wonder about rescheduling through more southern routes. Rome airport remains open.

Get me to Rome and I will train, plane, or automobile it to Venice.

The aircraft are sitting on the ground anyway. Let's use them.

In the meantime, in the hours I should be sleeping, I will continue to browse the web looking for good news, as though my extra attention will somehow make it happen.

And that my friends is the life of a travel junkie.

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog report as this situation gets resolved, which will be hour by hour report of the mindset of this passenger going through this experience from beginning to end.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, foreign travel; Europe

posted by That Travel Guy @ 3:00 AM  |  0 Comments

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Stuck in a Low Dive Again!

I am not all that fussy about where I stay most of the time.

Like everyone I appreciate luxury, but I consider myself lucky to be able to travel the way I do so if I end up in a hotel that is not so mult-starred, it doesn't bother me.

But have quit a two plus pack a day happen many years ago, I cannot stay long in a smoke filled room, car, or bar.

I really thought smoking rooms were a thing of the past in Canada. Certainly not Asia, Europe, or even America. But in Canada I thought they went the way of the dinos.

Tonight thanks to Air Canada we have been put up at a property near the airport.

The only reason I am not mentioning the brand is because it is not all that bad a place...but for the fact we are in a room that reeks of smoke. There are no windows to open to let in fresh air, and this really is exceptionally acrid.

I in no way blame AC. They have put up so many people this night that this and I suspect other properties are completely full.

But tomorrow night if we are still here (in Toronto), we definitely will not be here at this hotel, or at least not in this room.

Can you hear me hacking and croaking?

Labels: Hotel properties

posted by That Travel Guy @ 5:37 PM  |  0 Comments

Waiting For the Ash to Clear

As I was shaving this morning I heard the announcement on the news. A volcano had erupted in Iceland spewing ash high into the atmosphere.

I am leaving for Venice in a couple of hours via Toronto and Frankfurt. That certainly seems far from Iceland.

The taxi has CJOB on and I hear that the ash is affecting air travel to London, England...But what does that have to do with me.

We board the flight, land uneventfully in Toronto, and make our way to the International departure area.

This is just after noon Toronto time and our flight is to depart at 1730 hours (5:30pm).

We are warned the flight might not go but the monitors still show it will leave on time.

I am hosting a cruise out of Venice so I am feeling some apprehension. Every 20 minutes or so I phone the office or they email me on the CrackBerry.

At 2:30, exactly 3 hours before our scheduled departure, we are told the flight is cancelled and AC does not know when we will get on since the other flights are already booked.

Air Canada gives us a one night accomodation and a couple of meals but state no matter how long we are stuck in Toronto, that is it for compensation.

I get on the phone to AC reservations...And here I encounter the person Air Canada is supposed to be all about.

Obvously under huge stress with thousands of travellers pouring out their problems, Roxanne is an exceptional breath of fresh air.

Air Canada needs to track her down and make her a supervisor.

She kept working and working looking for alternatives that, if I could not make it to Venice for the departure, would get me to the first port the ship would be stopping in.

I do have a new reservation. It will not get us to Italy on time for our scheduled departure but I will be on board no more than one day later.

In the meantime she is telling me about the notes she is posting on my file.

This may be a bad situation but it shows how one dedicated employee can make a huge difference.

I will never meet Roxanne to thank her. I will try to forward a note, to whomever, to praise Roxanne with the hope it gets back to her.

And I will hope an earlier flight opens up to allow us to greet our guests as near on time as possible.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines, Family Travel

posted by That Travel Guy @ 4:40 PM  |  0 Comments

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Choosing an Indonesian Airline can be Dangerous

It has happened again.

A number of Indonesian airlines already have a bad safety record.

The European commission had actually banned ALL Indonesian airlines from flying into its airspace until they opened up to a few carriers, only recently.

This time an Indonesian Boeing 737 with more than 100 people aboard actually split into two after it ran off a runway landing in Papua.

No deaths announced so far but about 20 passengers on this Merpati Nusantara Airlines plane were injured in the accident and hauled off to hospital.

It might be a good idea for the Indonesian airline companies to get some training from Canada's bush pilots who fly our northern routes safely and carefully every day. They have few accidents, expecially considering the terrain and kind of airstrips they are often landing on.

Thinking of flying around Indonesia. Make sure you check the safety records closely.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines

posted by That Travel Guy @ 7:11 PM  |  0 Comments

Machu Picchu Really is Now Open Again!

It is the most visited site in Latin America.

Each day approximately 2000 tourists make their way to see it.

Most people, like myself, will say it is one of the most impactful visits they have ever experiences.

It is vitally imporant to Peru's tourist industry.

Then a couple of months ago, nature decided to deliver the country a heavy blow, as rains and mudslides forced its closure.

It has been estimated that about 90% of all of Peru's tourist income actually comes from visitors to the Cusco region in which Machu Picchu sits.

It is now formally reopened after it was closed for two months.

Sometimes referred to as the lost city of the Inca's, it was only discovered in the early part of the 20th Century, even though it was believed to have been built in the 15th Century.
.
Peru had lost about $200 million in revenue because of the closure, in a region where fully 50% of the economy is driven by Machu Picchu visits.

My visit was a number of years ago but my emotions still well up as they did then, each and every time I recall that visit.

On that hillside, with nothing but air and mountains surrounding me, and the vestiges of a long gone society preserved before me, I could not control my emotions. I cried over the power of that vision, and still do each time I try to describe it.

Make plans to go to Peru and Machu Picchu. You will never be sorry.

And I would appreciate if you made those plans through our travel agency should you actully go at http://www.renaissancetravel.ca/ Toll free 1 800 859-6354.

Labels: Peru; South America

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:13 PM  |  0 Comments

Monday, April 12, 2010

Thailand Tourism Expect to Take Huge Hit!

Death in the streets is not good for tourism. And even though the protests have not affected most parts of the capital city, tourists are virtually fleeing the city.

Perhaps with expecially good reason considering the last protests ended up in a closed airport.

The people who are leaving is one thing, but the bigger impact that is taking place in originating destinations around the world is a massive rush to cancell airline and hotel reservations.

While we celebrate New Years Day in January, this is the period for New Year celebrations in Thailand. It is already estimated travel will be down close to 5%.

But the big hit comes with those cancellations I referenced.

Up to 25% of tourist generated revenues are now at serious risk. If protests get worse that drop will be even worse.

This is a country, and Bangkok in particular a city, that depends on tourist spending.

The last time around recovery was quick. Fear of a return to violence may make the recovery longer this go round, and years if deaths and distruction excalates.

Presumably tourists could travel to other parts of the country that are unaffected, but that won't happen since the experience usually starts or ends in Bangkok.

Conflict brings poverty and peace creates prosperity in the world of tourism.

Labels: Asia; Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:03 PM  |  0 Comments

Bangkok...City on the Edge!

There is no official warning from the government to stay away from Bangkok, even after several days of violent protests.

This is strange considering the usual overly conservative approach the government usuall takes on these matters when there are any signs of instability.

But these protests, like those of the recent past, are geographically concentrated.

Most of the protests of the Red Shirts, the group that feels that new elections must be called immediately, are concentrated around Government House, the Supreme Court and the Parliament Buildings.

Our government clearly states these areas should be avoided as well as the areas around the Ratchaprasong intersection and the Democracy monument.

I was in Bangkok around the time of the last protests. I actually left Bangkok just a week before the airport was closed.

I understand why our government has not broadened its warning.

Even as protests were taking place the shopping and tourist areas seemed to carry on oblivious of what the protesters and Thai government troops and authorities were doing.

Unfortunatley I see no immediate end to the discord which has lead to the more recent deaths and injuries.

I fear the coming weeks will bring more havoc.

I long to return to that country. It is an exceptional country to visit, and while Bangkok can be a bit of a zoo at times it is also a fascinating city to visit.

I would go back now, knowing what I experienced the last time as the protests were taking place. But I will be the first to go back and be extremely happy to report when I feel a permanent period of calm has returned.

Labels: Asia; Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:04 AM  |  0 Comments

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Airlines Suffer Largest Losses in History

The headline says it all.

Last year the world wide loss for airlines was $11 billion. That's more the the annual budget for some small countries. And it is the old fashioned stand by traditional airlines that lost the most.

Amazingly there are always new people with lots of cash in their pockets lined up to invest in yet another money loser, although every new upstart believes they have a better formula.

And it is clear the formula of the low cost carriers is working better than the tradional airlines.

But is that just because the old carriers are doing something wrong?

Not entirely, although they can in part be blamed for their own woes.

More significantly however, the corporate traveller is yet to come back. They were the geese that laid golden eggs, paying for business class tickets at best and last minute full fare carriage at worst.

As the economy soured corporations put a huge vice on company travel.

And they put restrictions on the kind of fares their employees could use when they did go away on business.

The bigger they are the harder they fall.

British Airways is going through a terrible time and Japan Airlines couldn't make it without restructuring.

Major hotel chains are also suffering with the growth coming from the less expensive brands only, as the business traveller has become accustomed to simpler tastes in rooms and hotel service.

There are signs that some of the business travel is coming back but they are weak signs and it seems that only the oil producing nations are still into the high life travel North Americans had become accustomed to in the past.

Labels: Airline Travel, Airlines

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:58 AM  |  1 Comments

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Bangkok Struggles for a Peaceful Conclusion

There is no peace in Bangkok and other regions in Thailand these days.

I am a raving fan about that country and it causes me pain to see the demonstrations turning violent.

A Japanese journalist was killed in today's protests, the ultimate sign that this is not going to resolve itself quickly.

There are points we need to take into account.

Tourists, so far, have been able to avoid the protests.

When the last protests erupted the Bangkok airport was closed and travellers had to wait or be transported to other airports in order to leave the country..

But on thing needs to be remembered. The only tourist causualty was not from the protests but rather from a vehicle accident as a person was being taken to another international airport.

The protesters are not targeting tourists and have been very specific in their agenda to creat new elections immediately.

While this situation is not likely to pass quickly the Canadian government to this moment, has not issued an official warning not to go to the city. There are official warnings against travel to a number of provinces.

To find out updates go to www.voyage.gc.ca

Labels: Asia, Thailand

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:16 PM  |  0 Comments

This is a Big Fish Story

Everyone has a fishing story.

Labels: fishing

posted by That Travel Guy @ 11:47 AM  |  0 Comments

Memories of Rio de Janeiro

As 29 centimetres of rain (11 inches) pounded the city of Rio de Janeiro in under 24 hours, killing almost a hundred people my hearts went out to the people of this beautiful city.

I thought back to my first (and last) visit there, bringing forth exceptional and not so beautiful memories.

Rio de Janeiro is a fascinating city. Its Mardi Gras celebrations beat them all, arguably including New Orleans.

Its massive beach in the heart of the city is something to behold as the ultimate bikini paradise where some of the best shaped women in the world position themselves to display their best points and assets.

Seemingly accepting this flagrant display of flesh the statue of 'Christ the Redeemer' standing on a mountain side perch at 140 feet spreads his arms in acceptance, forgiveness, or anticipation of some future cry for redemption.

The restaurants and bars are exceptional and draw tourists from every nation trying to excape the cold, or who are simply looking for wild excitment, because Rio can be a real party town for those who seek low key or far out indulgences.

This was the place I encountered, and then, with a group of travel agents at a time when I was somewhat younger, and shall we say more durable, we partied away several days with very little sleep.

Rio is a city of ultimate contrasts and wealth.

There was and still is a city with vast tracts of severly impoverished people. the trickle down theory seems not to have reach that part of the Brazilian nation yet.

It was a time of crime and theft all over the place, including around the famous tourist sights, including the beach.

One of our group had her camera taken as she tanned on the beach. I had a bag stolen at the airport as people were supposedly watching it. And newspaper reports then often spoke of more serious crimes.

While poverty still exists, tourist crime has been controlled to a significant extent, at least in line with other major tourist areas around the world which will always be magnets for professional pickpockets and the like.

Nature makes no distinction between wealth and poverty when it takes vengence. We need to mourn what the city is going through during its recovery period.

Rio de Janeiro will rebound. And people like me will go back and join the droves looking for the beach, the vistas, the cliff divers, or to attend the 2016 Olympics or the 2014 World Cup, which thankfully, neither are held during their annual rainy season

Labels: foreign travel; South America

posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:17 AM  |  0 Comments

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Don't Fear the Body Scanning Equipment.

A few weeks ago I received a comment concerning the potential harm that can be caused by radiation from the new body scanning equipment.

A local doctor, Dr. Gifford-Jones expressed his concern to a reporter and it received a fair bit of coverage, at the same time bringing fear to some people who would have to pass through the scanners to travel.

For me personally, while I respect Dr Gifford-Jones position and others who make similar arguments, particularly as it relates to frequent travelers, it does not change my views on the subject.

I believe we will continue to be challenged with security breaches, which may prove more tragic than the last one was. As a result I still prefer that maximum means to protect travelers be taken. Concerns are extremely valid, and many will prefer the pat down method, but so will the bad guys. That frightens me!


Many of these are personal decisions, and while I don’t have huge confidence in bureaucracies, I somehow don’t think a United States or Canadian government is going to subject is citizenry to death by cancer to prevent death by terrorism.

I accept that study should be on-going to research the facts. In the meantime I will acknowledge everyone’s right to reject the scanner in favour of a pat down…at least until the next terrorist tragedy.

Labels: Airline Travel, Security

posted by That Travel Guy @ 1:06 PM  |  0 Comments

Cruising On Rivers vs. Oceans! Can you see the difference?

Cruising is cruising, right? There’s a boat, some water, scenery. Well, not quite. On my first river cruise, as I watched the waters of the famous Rhine River flow by my cabin window it hit me: to compare a river cruise to an ocean cruise is like comparing downhill to cross-country skiing.

There are obvious commonalities but to take it further than that is to do both an injustice. They must be judged on their separate merits.

River cruising is a highly social experience. The vessels carry only about two hundred guests so the atmosphere is intimate and personal. With just one large dining room in an open seating environment you quickly get to know many interesting passengers. A single lounge and entertainment area serves as the congregation area between tours and meals. Accordingly, sociability spills over from dinner into the evening as guests come and go, depending on their interest in partying, or in the performances being presented.

The scenery on a river cruise is a kaleidoscope of change. And while it may move from the spectacular to the ordinary, a documentary of current and past history is always unfolding before you.




Most of the rivers travel inland and meander through the centre of the nations where cities were built along the banks. Occasionally, they border two nations, with different cultures to experience on each side of the river. It is because the rivers often wind through the heart of countries that makes travelling along them a unique experience.

An easier comparison to river cruising is motorcoach touring, but without the daily packing and unpacking that comes with travelling to a different hotel every night. It is no wonder motor coach companies have invested significantly in the river cruise sector. Many actually offer a combination of both touring options.



There really is no end to the variety of river cruise options. Each cruise can be as short or as long as your time and pocketbook allow. The rivers on which most of these vessels operate are lengthy. In Europe, the Rhine winds its way through 1320 kilometres, while the Danube is more than twice as long at 2850 kms. The Yangtze River is twice as long as the Danube at 6380 kilometres, with the Amazon even slightly longer than that at 6437 kms. Just these four rivers alone create dozens of itineraries, through places we often only dream of seeing.

Most of the ports of call are near the city centres. So excursion time is dramatically reduced as compared to ocean cruises.

By Ron Pradinuk
Ron Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre, a travel products retail outlet www.journeystravelgear.com , as well as Winnipeg based Renaissance Travel. He is past national president of the
Association of Canadian Travel Agencies.

Column as in www.takeoffeh.com . Go there for a lot of excellent travel news.

Labels: Cruises, Travel Tips

posted by That Travel Guy @ 12:41 PM  |  0 Comments

Carry on Luggage Restrictions Eased to U.S.

It took a while but it happened.

As of today Canadian passengers travelling to the United States can again carry two pieces of luggage on board,as announced by Transport Minister John Baird.

Transport Canada restricted travellers bound for the U.S. to one carry-on item after the December 25, 2009, event in which Umar Abdulmutallab tried, but did not succeed in bring downing a passenger jet going to Detroit. He had explosives hidden in his underwear which lead to the introduction of new body screening devices in major airports.

"The Government of Canada is unwavering in our commitment to implement the most effective measures possible for a safe and secure aviation system, while upholding a level of comfort and convenience for air travellers," Baird said in a press release. "With more robust air security measures in place for passengers, we are able to remove the temporary carry-on baggage restrictions put into place following the December terrorist attack."

Full body scanners were quickly put in place in all of Canada's larger international airports to screen U.S. bound passengers.

Baird said the federal government is also "strengthening explosive trace detection" and plans to develop a passenger behaviour observation program.

As of today,Thursday, April 8, passengers flying to the U.S. will be permitted to bring two carry-on bags and one personal item, such as a purse.

Labels: Airline Travel, Luggage, Travel Tips

posted by That Travel Guy @ 9:11 AM  |  0 Comments

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Who Knows About Expo 2010?

Everyone in North America knew that the Olympics were coming months and years ahead.

We hoped it would be the success it was and that people from all over the world would come to celebrate sport excellence.

We looked forward to thousands of visitors experiencing Canada.

Overshadowed by all this publicity over the past months was the fact that another major event will take place in lon May 1 that will attract many more visitors than any Olympic event could hope to reach.

It is Expo 2010 and it opens tomorrow in Shanghai, China.

For six months millions of people will go through the pavilions, including the one created at a significant investment representing Canada.

With an urban theme of 'Better City, Better Life' it will be another opportunity to showcase how it is the emerging economic powerhouse.

For those who think China is a backward country, going to Shanghai is the ultimate trip into a different reality.

It is a city that seems only to want to talk about wealth and the stock market.

It is a city where the most expensive shops in the world have lined the main streets for years.

And it is the city where the bicycle, once the mainstay for personal transportation, is now so far in the background you hardly know they exist, comparatively speaking.

It will be a grand celebrations with countries from all over the world putting the final touches to their pavilions today.

Older Canadians may remember the impact of Expo 67 in Montreal. It helped put Canada on the world map.

Those 20 years younger may remember Expo 86 in Vancouver that put the punctuation mark on that world entrance.

Be sure about this, Expo 2010 will be a huge success, and the image of China as an economic leader will leap forward many steps.

Labels: China, foreign travel

posted by That Travel Guy @ 4:18 PM  |  0 Comments

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Hosted Cruises Gain Popularity. Why?

Hosted Cruises are very common as a promotion with radio stations.

Usually it is one of the on-air personalities who will act as the host on a particular journey, most often a cruise that has significant attraction to a broad base.

In the past I and my wife have hosted such cruises. We have really enjoyed meeting and travelling with the people who chose to join us. And I have asked a lot of questions to ascertain why so many people choose hosted or excorted cruises.

There is a difference between a hosted and escorted cruise.

Often the escort will also be a part of the guiding experience while a hosted trip most often means that the hosts are a greater part of the social experience and do little or no guiding as such.

You seldom find these kinds of trips to land based all-inclusive destinations. But for cruises, there are many that are offered around Europe especially, but also for other major itineraries throughout the world.

While the costs of these offerings are competitively priced, to entice bookings a free cocktail party and complimentary excursion are often included. This makes the value added benifits very enticing as well.

Good hosts will most often spend time with the guests beyond the two above meetings.




While giving the guests leeway to do what they wish, the hosts will often dine with the people travelling with them, and enjoy their company even more should they happen to be travelling together on optional excursions.

Hosted trips are really beneficial for inexperienced travellers. There is a decided level of comfort knowing you can always approach your host with questions or concerns.

Mike McIntyre, who is the host for the cross canada radio show Crime and Punishment, has hosted a number of these with his wife Chassedy.

When you read or hear the comments afterward, it is easy to understand how a good host relates to the people who have chosen to travel with them.

For their 6th annual cruise, they have chosen a Hawaiian Islands cruise itineray on Princess Cruises. It will sail from January 28, 2010 to February 12 2011.

As always they will have many repeat passengers going with them. In fact it was in consultation with his repeat clients that this particular sailing was selected.

The cruise my wife and I will be on out of Venice in two weeks is one which we host on a Silverseas vessel.



We love it and the passengers seem to like it a lot as well.

Our sailing is full but if you are interested in the McIntyre's round trip sailing you can call 1 (800) 859-6354 which is Renaissance Travel, the sister company to Journeys Travel and Leisure SuperCentre or go on line a email a message from www.renaissancetravel.ca.

This really wasn't meant to be a sales pitch but if your are interested in such a cruise, I can't think of couple I would recommend more for a first time hosted experience.

Labels: Cruises

posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:14 PM  |  0 Comments

Five things you should know about the Internet and travel.

This is a reprint of a column I recently did for the online travel sites www.macleans.ca and www.takeoffeh.com.

Internet Travel has seen tremendous growth but there are things worth noting.

Few industries have benefited more from internet commerce than the travel industry. Travellers are now armed with a great deal of research – helping them make better vacation choices.

Many consumers believe that booking through an internet site will guarantee savings. This is not always the case, and much has changed since the first internet booking company opened its portals.

Here are some key points to consider before pressing the ‘buy’ button.

1. Not long ago, many of the vacation prices on the internet varied greatly – often appearing even lower than those advertised by the actual tour operator who packaged the vacation. However, a few years ago, tour operators leveled the playing field by prohibiting the practice of advertising their products at discounted rates. This does not mean an agent can’t actually discount a package, it simply means you won’t find large price discrepancies for the same package on competing internet sites.

2. Most travel retailers now have a booking system on their website to give the consumer the option of shopping on line 24/7. The beauty is you can also call and clarify issues with a live agent on the phone. This often provides a measure of security for those who are concerned about the legitimacy of a large impersonal website. This has brought back business to traditional agencies that saw business leaking to the big internet advertisers. While most big names are legitimate and provide some client support, it is a case of ‘buyer beware’ when the provider is completely unknown and may be based in another country.

3.Another thing most consumers may not be aware of is that there are relatively few internet booking engine providers in the marketplace. The smallest agency in the country may subscribe to the same distribution channel as the largest Canadian tour operator. For instance, one of the biggest booking engine providers in Canada is a company called Softvoyage which has a virtual monopoly on searching and delivering pricing and inventory for a variety of vacation options. So spending hours searching for a price on a variety of websites will likely yield very similar information. You are better off finding a provider with good customer service you feel comfortable with.

4.Travel protection, which should be very important for consumers, is under provincial jurisdiction. Not all provinces have a protection plan in place, while others have established strong and long standing programs. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have stringent agent requirements and excellent programs in place. Even if you reside in another province, if you buy from a retailer based in one of these provinces you are protected. On the other hand, if you are in Ontario, and buy from a Nova Scotia based agency, you are not protected. Smaller provinces have looked at the existing models and concluded that provincial laws which force credit card companies to reimburse clients for non delivery of service are sufficient.

5.The small print on the website where you are booking a hotel, car, or all inclusive vacation is important to read and understand. Before you finally submit your credit card information, you need to find out what the cancellation and change policies are. More than one person has lost their entire investment because of a zero cancellation policy. This is especially important to know when booking out of country properties you know little or nothing about. You will have a hard time chasing down someone who is anonymous and thousands of miles away. Better yet, make sure you get advice on insurance. It is likely the best travel purchase you will ever make.

Labels: Travel Tips

posted by That Travel Guy @ 12:10 PM  |  0 Comments

3 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Luggage

You walk into a luggage department and look at a sea of luggage in front of you.

Flipping over a couple of tags you notice one piece is $70 and another of exactly the same size is $700.

What's the difference? You know there has to be something that justifies that extreme but what exactly that may be puzzles you.

Here then are the basics that should be helpful for you when purchasing luggage.

While there can be some shades of varience in the following explanation, buy following the guidline you will end up with the bags best suited for your kind of travel.

1. The Fabric

There are all kinds of new fabric blends coming out these days that can confuse experts, but for the most part they are still based to some degree on what I term the original three.

Cloth is the first fabric that some luggage is made from. Anyone who travels with public transportation will not want to even look at the cloth selection, if it actually exists in the luggage store you visit.

Some very expensive 'movie star luggage' will often be a woven cloth fabric. It looks exceptionally good and can wear well enough. But for the air traveller it is not a good choice.

Buy this luggage for your limousine ride to your overnight destination, but always have 'you man' handle it carefully.

Polyester and Polyester blendsare perhaps the most common options found in luggage department sets.

Irregardles of the material, for many years luggage manufacturers used a word called Denier to highlight the density of weave of the fabrics in their luggage lines.

This density, or denier, was always displayed on the sale tags.

You can still find that measurement on many of the bags but often you have to ask the sales person, if you can find one in a department store.

The higher the Denier the better the luggage, and unfortuneately the heavier the luggage will be as well.

Finding the right denier has been the challenge for manufacturers, who often use low Deniers for lead in pricing on luggage I would not recommend to anyone.

For me 600, 900, or 1200 Denier will not hold up for the long run. the tipping point may be at 1200 if you are a once a year traveller but this is not a product for the long haul.

Selecting 1500 or 1800 Denier will last you longer and still be light enough for todays limited weight restrictions.

The next most common fabric, and far away the best, is Ballistic Nylon.



This is a durable material that when introduced with extremely high Denier factors, was demonstrated on television by shooting a bullet through it. Who knows, maybe that is how they came up with the term Ballistic.

A 1500 Denier Ballistic Nylon will be much better than a 1500 Polyester fabric, and not necessarily heavier.

While almost always more expensive, look first at the Ballistic Nylon if you can afford it.

The high density Ballistic Nylon, while much less than the old days, is still the choice of the daily and weekly road warrior types for whom weight is not as much as issue.

While the new lightweight 'hardsides' have come into vogue over the past couple of years, they still are being evaluated. The challenge is they really are not hardsides and while light they have expansion restrictions and each manufacturer seems to be introducing lines where quality varies dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer

2. Construction

As important is the selection of fabric is the level of constuction on a bag. Today's luggage makers are trying to keep a semblance of quality while reducing the weight that construction quality brings to the bag.

Many have removed almost everything from the frame simply leaving a strong outer wire frame to hold the material.

Some of these wire frames are reasonably effective, while some are just garbage..

Even in the best of them, and there are some, we tell travellers to pack the bag near full all the time.

Ten bags and ten trips on top of a half full wire frame piece of luggage will eventually cause it to bow.

The best is a full honeycomb frame, as a complete three sided plasticized frame is called.

These frames at one time were the Primary reason luggage was sturdy and heavy.

Clever manufacturers like Victorinox and TravelPro, with their Max Lite series,have combined good construction with nylon to make a really excellent light weight durable product.




3. Features

Usually the better quality the luggage, the more features that will be included 'free'.

it can mean more pockets, suiters, or packing cubes, each one a welcome feature but still requiring manufacturing costs which need to be recovered one way or the other.

This is the short form overview of luggage.

Go to the Journeys website at www.journeystravelgear.com to see sample selections if you are interested. I do hope this information is helpful for reaching a conclusion on the kind of luggage that suits your travel needs best.

Labels: Baggage, Packing Tips, Travel Tips

posted by That Travel Guy @ 7:59 AM  |  0 Comments